Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

A curious case of attempted infanticide by percutaneous needles insertion: diagnosis and laparoscopic management.

This is the case of a 6 month-old boy victim of an attempted infanticide by means of sharp long needles inserted through the abdominal wall. He was successfully managed by laparoscopic approach

An uncommon liver abscess secondary to an ingested foreign body: A case report

Introduction: This article discusses a case study involving a unique occurrence of a hepatic abscess caused by the presence of an ingested foreign body. Hepatic abscesses, characterized by pus accumulation within liver tissue, often result from various infections, with some cases having unidentified origins. Case presentation: This study focuses on a 75-year-old man who presented at an emergency department with persistent pain in the right upper abdomen and fever for ten days. Diagnostic tests revealed a low-density, multiloculated mass in the liver and a hyperdense linear structure near the duodenum, indicating a hepatic abscess originating from duodenal perforation due to a foreign body that had migrated from ingestion. The patient underwent antibiotic treatment and a surgical procedure involving laparotomy to extract the foreign object and drain the abscess. Conclusion: this case study underscores the rare occurrence of hepatic abscesses caused by ingested foreign bodies. Swift and accurate diagnosis, along with appropriate treatment involving foreign body removal and abscess drainage, are pivotal for favorable patient outcomes. The choice of treatment strategy impacts hospital stay duration, and understanding potential complications from foreign body ingestion enhances patient management and care